Monumental 111-foot Annamacharya statue takes shape in Andhra Pradesh for US installation

A 111-foot statue of Tallapaka Annamacharya is being crafted in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, for installation at the Indian Cultural Centre and Temple in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The ₹50-crore project features a 75-tonne panchaloha statue, sculpted by artist Penugonda Karunakar Vudayar using advanced 3D modelling and CNC-based precision techniques.

Designed in modular parts, the statue will be shipped and assembled on a 160-tonne steel framework. The unveiling is scheduled for May 9, 2028, marking Annamacharya’s birth anniversary. Karunakar Vudaya, a third-generation sculptor, emphasizes the blend of creativity and technology in his work, saying, “Creativity and technology must go hand in hand to create something timeless”. The statue is expected to promote Telugu culture and heritage globally, showcasing Annamacharya’s contributions to devotional music and literature.